theWit Hotel
201 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60611

Lose yourself in the vibrant epicenter of the Windy City at theWit, a Doubletree Hotel, the newest downtown Chicago boutique hotel. Located on historic State Street — in the heart of the revitalized theater and Loop business districts –, this all-new destination pulls the chair from underneath pomposity and seriousness … igniting the neighborhood with a new energy and spirit of fun. Relax in plush accommodations with breathtaking views of the Chicago River, the skyline, and Millennium Park. Take a short stroll and marvel at the city’s premier museums, cultural landmarks, and entertainment. Experience the allure and style of the Chicago Loop. Make theWit, a Doubletree Hotel, your shining star among downtown Chicago hotels.

Blending the amenities of a resort with the flair of a boutique hotel, theWit, a Doubletree Hotel, has brought a new energy and vitality to the downtown Chicago Loop. Striking design, unparalleled comfort, and remarkable services create a dramatic sensory experience.

Total Capacity of Venue:
300

Private or Semi Private Space Available:
Yes

Room Set at Capacity:
350 Theater Style

Contact theWit Hotel Chicago for your next meeting or event

Certainly any hotel claiming a Magnificent Mile address should live up to its name. And after a $36 million total renovation, the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile achieves exactly that. Drawing from the context of the city itself – hustle and bustle balanced by the calming effects of natural elements – this newly transformed hotel offers a stunningly stylish, energetic and contemporary vibe. Here, business and entertainment intersect in a multidimensional setting that inspires guests to engage, relax, retreat, work and play.

Recently transformed public space introduces a spectacular multifunctional lobby that reinvents the way guests socialize, work and relax. All of our meeting space, located on the 5th, 6th and 7th floors has been masterfully redefined to accommodate 21st century meeting needs. Additional multifunctional meeting space has also been added to the 4th floor, giving this premier Chicago meeting site a total of 65,000 square feet of event space. New dining concepts include a signature restaurant offering a contemporary décor and menu and a new lobby bar that surrounds a torch-like illuminated sculpture – the new iconic symbol of the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile.

The Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile is a Planner Preferred Meeting Space on Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s Meetings and Events Resource Guide.

Threats of federal regulation and sensational coverage are creating a paralyzing environment where companies across the country are canceling meetings and events for legitimate business purposes.

After three strong years, Chicago’s downtown hotels are facing tougher times as businesses cut travel budgets and tourists stay home. Because more businesses and groups are canceling meetings at hotels or spending less on food and drink, hotel owners are looking for ways to cut costs.

Business-related travel – including meetings, events and incentives – is a vital part of our national economy and essential to sustaining well-paying American jobs, the health of large and small businesses and the solvency of public services supported by federal, state and local tax-revenue. Broadly, business travel creates 2.4 million jobs, injects more than $240 billion into the national economy annually and generates $39 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue.

Specifically, meetings and events:

Create 1 million jobs to the American workforce in local communities – from big cities to small towns – across the United States.

Many of these jobs support working families in the hospitality and food service industries.

Generate $27 billion in wages for hardworking Americans that are critical to local economies across
the United States, and can play a critical role in our nation’s economic recovery.

Provide $16 billion in tax revenue at the federal, state and local level.

Contribute $101 billion in spending to the U.S. economy.

Support over 200 local convention centers around the county

Are responsible for nearly 15 percent of all travel in the United States.

When businesses cancel productive meetings and events, the American worker and local communities from coast-to-coast are the unintended victims.

Without the jobs generated by meetings, events and incentive travel, the current unemployment rate of 7.6 percent would rise to 8.2 percent and cost the average American household an additional $136 in annual taxes.

Critics have mislabeled many meetings and events as unnecessary and frivolous – causing companies that have received federal government support and many that have not – to cancel planned and future activities.
Whether a company has received emergency government lending or not, its inclination is to avoid the prospect of being ridiculed like AIG, Wells Fargo and others.

No region of the country is immune to the economic impact of canceled meetings, events and incentive programs. American workers and local communities pay the price as meetings, events and incentives decline.

The U.S. Labor Department reported a loss of nearly 200,000 travel related jobs in 2008 and Department of Commerce data predicts a loss of an additional 247,000 travel-generated jobs in 2009.

The meetings and events component of business travel is responsible for nearly 15 percent of all travel in the United States, drives $101 billion in spending, generates one million jobs and creates $16 billion in tax revenue at the federal, state and local levels.

Without the one million jobs generated by meeting and event travel, the unemployment rate in the United States would jump from 7.6 percent to 8.2 percent.

As meetings and events decline, local communities – nearly all of whom are dependent on visitor taxes – struggle to pay for essential services such as education, public safety and social services.

Business travel and events are a smart and cost effective way to retain and develop employee talent, generate ideas and share knowledge that drives future business growth.

Meetings, events and incentives are essential tools for companies to strengthen business relationships; align and educate employees and customers; and reward business performance. Members of Congress share this practice when convening their annual retreats at resorts outside Washington, DC

Incentive programs are two to three times more effective than cash at motivating employee performance. Companies can spend less on incentive travel than on cash compensation to achieve exceptional productivity from employees.

The recipients of incentive travel programs are typically hardworking middle class Americans who have earned trips for their exceptional performance.

According to a recent survey of Fortune 1000 Chief Marketing Officers, meetings and events provide the highest return on investment of any marketing channel.

Companies using taxpayer dollars must abide by best practices for meetings, events and incentives.

Companies that have received emergency government lending have an obligation to operate in a transparent and accountable fashion.

The travel community has addressed an urgent public need by developing clear, workable guidelines designed to ensure responsible business travel practices within companies that have received emergency government lending.

Additional punitive policies to limit meetings, events and incentive travel will unite business, labor and local government leaders in opposition.

The demand for face to face meetings is strong and the importance of having them is greater than ever in our history.  For example, within one week of sending the invitation for our Here’s Chicago Meetings and Hospitality St. Pat’s BASH event taking place on March 2, 2009 we are at capacity with the most meeting and event professionals registered in the history of this event with over 400 registered attendees and another 100 on the waiting list. 

“Business, Meetings and Incentive Programs are what built this economy” and “Our industry is being punished for the mistakes of a few”

“In Obama’s defense, I don’t believe he knows that the meetings industry contributes to “mainstreet”, the exact market he is trying to help. Bus boys, waiters, bellman, sedan drivers, etc.” says Jim Grillo, CMP of Hereschicago.com. 

Meetings, conventions, exhibitions, and incentive travel generated $122.3 billion in direct spending in the United States last year, according to the Convention Industry Council’s Economic Impact Study, released in September. Corporate meetings and events comprised one-third of that, or $40.3 billion; association events accounted for the rest.”

The industry employs 1.7 million people on a full-time basis, and is the 29th-largest contributor to the country’s gross national product.

Looking at types of meetings, conventions and exhibitions account for $67.9 billion, or 55.5 percent, of the total direct spending pie. Corporate and association meetings generated $48.1 billion in spending, or 39.4 percent of the total, while incentive travel made up the remaining 5.1 percent, generating $6.2 billion in spending. (Conventions and exhibitions are defined as events where exhibitions make up the largest component of the meeting, while meetings have a larger meetings component.)

The largest share of the convention and exhibition dollar, 35 percent, is spent in hotels. The rest is widely distributed throughout local economies, with 24 percent spent on air transportation, 14 percent in restaurants, and 12 percent on business services.
 
It is our responsibility today to communicate the positive messages from our industry and how we all directly contribute to the future growth of our economy.
 
Let’s make history together,
 
Jim Grillo, CMP
President
Hereschicago.com
Chicago’s Meetings and Events Resource Directory
 
Emmy Award Winner, Alternate Media/News 2008
Hall of Fame Supplier, Illinois Meetings & Events 2008
President, Meeting Professionals Internatio, nal Chicago 2003-2004
President, Hospitality, Sales & Marketing Assn of Ill. 2001-2004
Committee, Meeting Professionals International 2004-2008
Mentor/Ambassador, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau, 2000-2002
Member, MPI International Student Advisory Council 2008-2009
 
For a P.R. Toolkit, visit the U.S. Travel Association (USTOA)

The awards honor the dedication and creativity of event professionals who have earned the respect and admiration of their clients and peers. The award winners were selected through an online reader poll. The winner are:

Best Attraction – Navy Pier
Best Audio-Visual – The Meetinghouse Companies, Inc.
Best Banquet/Reception Venue – Tie between Galleria Marchetti and River East Art Center
Best Boats/Cruises/Charters - Kanan Cruises
Best Caterer – Blue Plate Catering
Best Conference Venue – Gleacher Center
Best Convention & Visitors Bureau – Chicago Convention & Visitors Bureau
Best Destination Management Company – On the Scene
Best Eco-Friendly Supplier – Greg Christian Catering and Events
Best Entertainment – Just for Fun Entertainment and Events, Inc.
Best Décor – Kehoe Designs
Best Florist – The Meetinghouse Companies, Inc.
Best Golf Resort – Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Best Historic Venue – Chicago History Museum
Best Hotel with Meeting Space (less than 440 rooms) – The Blackstone Hotel
Best Hotel with Meeting Space (more than 440 rooms) – Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Best Photography/Videography – Tie between Promax Productions and Studio T Photography
Best Rental Service – Classic Party Rentals
Best Teambuilding Facility/Organizer – Corporate Event Interactive
Best Transportation – Windy City Limousine
Best Unique Venue – Chicago Illuminating Company
Best Venue Outside Chicagoland – Pheasant Run Resort
Editor’s Pick Best Event Décor – Ivan Carlson & Associates
Editor’s Pick Best New Intimate Event Space – Vertigo Sky Lounge
Editor’s Pick Best Casino – Horseshoe Casino Hotel
Editor’s Pick Best Experimental Event Expert – Minding Your Business

New this year, Illinois Meetings + Events magazine recognized its first-ever Hall of Fame, chosen by the magazine’s editorial advisory board.

Lifetime Achievement – Bill Pry, Partner – BBJ Linen
Best Special Events Planner – Andrew Schorr, President and Principal – In the Loop
Best Meeting Professional – Kimberly LaBounty, President – Apex Management & Special Events Inc.
Best Up-and-Coming Meeting Professional – Justin Rhodes, Associate – Corporate Events for Jones Lang LaSalle, Chicago
Best Supplier – Jim Grillo, President – hereschicago.com
Best Up-and-Coming Supplier – Renee Barricklow, Event Producer – Kehoe Designs, Chicago

“We are pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions of these organizations and individuals to the meetings and events industry, which plays an important role in Illinois’s vitality and economy,” says Lauren Hurley, editor of Illinois Meetings + Events magazine.

Thank you to our event partners; Underground, The Meetinghouse Companies, Inc. and Classic Party Rentals.

Illinois Meetings + Events magazine is one of eight regional meetings and events magazines published by Tiger Oak Publications, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn.  The idea-driven magazine focuses on the issues facing today’s meeting and event professionals in Illinois and beyond and looks to address all aspects of the industry through in-depth feature stories, insightful departments and helpful news and updates on tips and trends. For more information and to view photos from the event, visit www.ilmeetingsmag.com.

Visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s event planner resource guide featuring Chicago’s top Planner Preferred vendors for Chicago meetings and events.

As we move into the last part of 2008, hinton + gruisch understands these are unprecedented times and your needs are changing and lead times are shrinking. let hinton+grusich help you find the perfect site for your last minute 2008 meetings with these special offers from our partners!

ambassador east hotel- chicago, il

until december 31: special $119 single/double room rate, free rental of one meeting room per day, 50% off audio visual equipment, free wi-fi in guest rooms, 10% off banquet food and beverage, one comp upgrade to a celebrity suite

hotel sax- chicago, il

meeting value:
$10,000-5% off f&b or free coffee breaks
$10-$20,000-microsoft zune for meeting planner and 3% off group account
$20,000+ - microsoft xbox 360 for meeting planner and 5% off group account

trump international hotel and tower- chicago, il

meeting package (from $115 per person) includes: continental buffet breakfast, two tea/coffee refreshment breaks, three course deli buffet lunch, comp use of main meeting room, comp wireless broadband Internet, 10% discount on audio-visual equipment rental
 
hotel orrington- evanston, il

one hour comp cocktail reception
 
eaglewood resort and spa- itasca, il 

book your next meeting at eaglewood, and choose from one of these promotions: 50% off transport to and from o’hare airport, 5% off the master bill, one comp room for every 13 benchmark conference packages -one night comp group transportation to downtown chicago

pheasant run- st. charles, il

receive comp transportation to and from o’hare airport on peak arrival and departure days

For nearly 25 years, h+g has served as the national sales office for a diverse collection of upscale, independent hotels and hospitality suppliers. we’ve learned that each meeting has its own unique challenges and our expertise is built on handling each with a personal touch - from rfp sourcing to contract. we know the hotels and companies we rep.  our job is to connect you with the best match.

hinton+grusich headquarters:                                           
one east wacker drive                           
suite 2600                  
chicago, il 60601       
800/783-7350

www.hintonandgrusich.com

For a complete list of Chicago’s top meeting venues, visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s Meeting and Event planning resource directory.

Hotels of Oak Brook

You can now book your board meeting, training, wedding or village-wide convention with ease of completing the request for proposal information below or the convenience of giving us call. The Hotels of Oak Brook offer exceptional meeting spaces and are well-equipped to accommodate any group from 10 to 1,000. Simply contact one of our dedicated team of booking agents and we’ll ensure you receive the most exceptional quotation of available meeting space, overnight accommodations and banquet options that fit your exact needs.

DoubleTree Hotel Oak Brook

Treat yourself to the luxury of the DoubleTree Hotel Oak Brook - where personal attention and an abundance of amenities await you. Located just across the street from the prestigious Oakbrook Center (160 high-end shops and restaurants), the Doubletree Hotel Oak Brook offers beautifully appointed rooms and special event space. Our exquisitely landscaped grounds welcome you with tranquil ponds, rock gardens and lush foliage.  At DoubleTree, we’re making it easier than ever to do business. You have our ongoing commitment to help you with the details as you plan your next meeting, conference or event. Your DoubleTree Manager is your personal meeting consultant who can provide expert advice to enhance your meeting’s productivity. As a liaison between you and every department, your Meeting Manager will be a true resource who is always at your disposal. Best of all, from the verification of your meeting, to pre-inspecting your meeting, to the departure of your last attendee, the DoubleTree Meeting Manager is your proactive partner always thinking ahead to improve the atmosphere of your event.

Hyatt Lodge Hotel Oak Brook

Enter this once-private retreat to experience an Oak Brook hotel unlike any other. The Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus offers exemplary amenities in an unparalleled setting. Featuring the renowned event venues of Hamburger University, acres of lush forestry filled with an outdoor team challenge adventure course and extensive choices for fun, our hotel in Oak Brook is ideal for VIP meetings, team-building exercises, weekend conferences, or simply as an intriguing escape from your average getaway.  The hotel features a private lake, 4-mile jogging/biking path and 5 nature trails. It is quietly secluded and surrounded by nature, yet only minutes from all of the renowned shopping and dining that Oak Brook has to offer.  The impressive function space at the Hyatt Lodge has undergone stylish updates and can accommodate events of just about any size. All meeting and event space has been updated with new carpeting, banquet chairs, wall coverings and window treatments. We’ve also added two additional boardrooms that feature distinctive executive tables and comfortable leather chairs. The Hyatt Lodge encompasses 17,000 square feet of meeting space, including 2 ballrooms, an executive conference room with an outdoor patio, and 5 flexible meeting rooms. Connected to the hotel via a covered walkway is McDonald’s Hamburger University, an IACC-approved, integrated corporate conference and learning facility consisting of 30,000 square feet of meeting space. And because the best meetings always challenge and motivate attendees, there’s even an exciting Team Challenge adventure course.

Marriott Oak Brook Hotel

Frequent travelers to the Chicago area have known for years that the Marriott Oak Brook can always be trusted to provide first-rate service and amenities-always at a reasonable price. Situated right across the street from the prestigious Oakbrook Center in the heart of Oak Brook, the Marriott Oak Brook surrounds you with comfort inside, and immediate access to the city’s best activities outside. At Marriott, your meeting is connected to expertise and technology. From the moment you first contact us until your last guest checks out, Marriott’s support for your meeting is steady and strong. Your Event Planning Partner is accessible and experienced so that together you can plan for every detail of your meeting. Whether you’ve gathered for a multimedia review of last year’s sales figures or a video tribute for a company milestone, you deserve the best technology has to offer. So from lightening-fast Internet connections to interactive Web and video meetings, Marriott delivers more than you expect.

Renaissance Hotel Oak Brook

When you travel to Chicago’s prestigious Oak Brook suburb, why not enjoy first-class accommodations? Awarded the AAA 4-Diamond Award, the Renaissance Oak Brook Hotel caters to discriminating attendees and guests. Featuring elegance and service reminiscent of European hotels, it provides you with a true sense of escape. For signature events, the Renaissance Oak Brook Hotel makes quite an impression with the finest conference and banquet facilities available. Our functional space and catering professionals have hosted some of the area’s most elite gala affairs.

Residence Inn Oak Brook

Experience the upscale-residential comfort of the Residence Inn Oak Brook-the best place to stay when you’re staying a little longer. Located in the heart of Oak Brook, the Residence Inn Oak Brook offers immediate access to Oak Brook’s renowned shopping and dining, as well as easy access to both major airports and downtown Chicago.  The Residence Inn Oak Brook is a great gathering spot away from the office to give your group the inspiration and privacy it needs. Our meeting space can accommodate up to 50 attendees classroom-style, while our suites offer comfortable places to work and relax. Your attendees can meet and sleep under one roof, allowing them to discuss strategies and opportunities at any time.

Wyndham Drake Oak Brook

Grace and elegance have always come to mind when describing The Wyndham Drake Hotel. Its distinct and luxurious European atmosphere is unparalleled in a suburban hotel. And because we recognize that part of being comfortable is having access to the technology you need, the hotel is also state-of-the-art in every way.  Whether you’re planning a meeting for 40 or 400, you can be sure that the meeting professionals at the Wyndham Drake will do it “The Wyndham Way,” which means exceptional service and amenities done right. Here, you’ll find outstanding meeting and banquet facilities, innovative catering and attentive, professional service.

Visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s Meetings and Events Resource Directory for Chicago’s Planner Preferred hotels, meeting venues and conference centers.

Visit our Chicago event planning resource directory for Chicago special event facitlities, Chicago meeting facilities, Chicago hotels, Chicago banquet rooms, Chicago corporate party locations, Chicago Bars, Chicago restaurants and more.  Plan your party or event with Hereschicago.com. 

Midway Hotel Center Hotel and Conference Center will help you plan an event that will surpass your greatest expectations. Choose from 20 distinctively different function areas at our Chicago conference hotel. Host a crowd in our elegant ballroom, or entertain casually on our outdoor terrace. A team of professional meeting planners will help you make the most of any occasion. Don’t forget, we also offer a full-service Business Center and free high-speed Internet access to make life easier for traveling executives. Choose the Chicago meeting rooms that suit your needs from our variety of tasteful options, including: 12,000 square feet of tastefully decorated and fully-equipped meeting space, 3,000 square-foot Washington Ballroom, with its grand staircase and opulent theater décor, 2,450 square-foot Roosevelt Gardens provides an exquisite outdoor venue, Smaller banquet rooms for meeting break-outs, or more intimate gatherings.

Visit Hereschicago.com , Chicago’s Meetings and Events Planning guide for Chicago’s Planner Preferred Chicago Conference Centers, Meeting Facilities and Event Spaces.

Navy Pier
600 East Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312.595.5052

The historical Grand Ballroom, Lakeview Terrace and Rooftop offer a unique backdrop for events up to 3,000 people. Navy Pier’s 170,000 square feet of flexible exhibit space along with 36 meeting rooms offer plenty of options for all types of events. All of this located on the lake front and minutes from downtown Chicago. A Chicago Convention Center and Conference Center.

DuPage Expo
4050 East Main St.
St. Charles, IL 60174

Trade shows and events have found a spacious new home at the DuPage Expo Center. With more than 23,000 sq. ft. of column-free carpeted space and acres of professionally maintained grounds, DuPage Expo is the perfect venue for trade shows, product launches, large meetings and special events.

Allstate Arena
6920 North Mannheim Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
 
AMA Chicago Executive Conference Center
8655 West Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631
 
Avenue Business Center
500 North Michigan Ave., Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60611
 
Cenacle Retreat and Conference Center
513 West Fullerton Pkwy.
Chicago, IL 60614
 
Chicago Architecture Foundation Archcenter
224 South Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60604
 
Chicago Illuminating Company
19 East 21st St.
Chicago, IL 60616
 
Conference Center at UBS Tower
1 North Wacker Drive, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
 
Congress Plaza Hotel & Conference Center
520 South Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
 
DePaul University—Lincoln Park Campus
2250 North Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
 
DePaul University—Loop Campus
1 East Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
 
Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center
5555 North River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018

Embassy Suites Chicago
600 North State St.
Chicago, IL 60610
 
Embassy Suites Hotel O’Hare Rosemont
5500 North River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
 
Four Seasons Chicago
120 East Delaware Place
Chicago, IL 60611
 
Hard Rock Hotel Chicago
230 North Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60601
 
Hilton Chicago
720 South Michigan Ave.
Chicago, Il.
 
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago O’Hare Airport
2930 South River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
 
Hilton Garden Inn Evanston
1818 Maple Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
 
Hilton Oak Lawn
9333 South Cicero Ave.
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
 
Hotel Allegro
171 West Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
 
Hotel Indigo Chicago Gold Coast
1244 North Dearborn Pkwy.
Chicago, IL 60610
 
Illinois Institute of Technology
3300 South Federal St.
Chicago, IL 60616
 
International House at the University of Chicago
1414 East 59th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
 
International Interior Design Association
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 567
Chicago, IL 60654
 
John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
 
Ladd Arboretum and Ecology Center
2024 McCormick Blvd.
Evanston, IL 60201
 
Loyola University—Lake Shore Campus
6525 North Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60626
 
Loyola University—Water Tower Campus
820 North Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
 
Maywood Park
8600 West North Ave.
Melrose Park, IL 60160
 
McCormick Place
2301 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60616

McCormick Place West
2301 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60616
 
Midwest Conference Center
401 West Lake St.
Northlake, IL 60164
 
Murphy Auditorium
50 East Erie St.
Chicago, IL 60611

Visit Hereschicago.com for a complete list of Chicago Convention Centers, Chicago Conference Centers and Chicago Auditoriums for your next company meeting or corporate event.
 

On the Scene Chicago is a full-service event and destination management company based in Chicago. Since 1969, On the Scene Destination and Event Management Chicago has been providing the best of the city through event design, special event production, transportation, and logistics management and Chicago tours and activities. Clients range from Fortune 500 corporations to large-scale association conferences.

On The Scene Destination and Event Management Company Chicago is the Winner of 2007 ADME Achievement Award for “Best Overall Program”. Winner of Illinois Meetings and Events magazine “The Best of ‘06” and “The Best of ‘07” award for Best Destination Management Company.

For a complete list of Chicago Destination Management Companies for your next Chicago Convention, Conference, Association Meeting or Chicago Sales Meeting, visit Hereschicago.com, Chicago’s guide to the best DMC’s in Chicago.